The School: An After School Performing Arts Training Academy

EVSPA’s Mission

The Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts’ mission continues to benefit the children and youth of Hampton Roads with the quality in performing arts training that allows for professional development as well as a fostering an appreciation and understanding for these arts disciplines.

Our goal remains to maintain a school that provides definitive training in the performing arts that is career oriented and developmental in nature. We are striving to raise the bar on excellence in performing arts education while providing a safe environment that fosters achievement at the highest levels.

Training Programs

Our training programs are based upon the long tradition accepted protocol in training that promotes discipline and self-discovery, along with the development of technique. Our faculty consists of working professionals and master teachers.

They lead students to deeply feel, psychologically and physically actualize their performances. To support this process, students receive constant feedback from faculty who consult collaboratively on their progress.

The goal of EVSPA is to provide a practical, education that emphasizes the skills needed by a performer in today's competitive environment.

We select our students from surprisingly varied backgrounds. Diversity, which gives our students exposure to many cultures, enriches the depth of the performers work. Selectivity, which continues throughout our program, yields a pool of students who nourish each other's growth.

Director’s Messagee

Welcome to the Eastern Virginia’s School for the Performing Arts. Founded in 1997, EVSPA was the brainchild of Ron Boucher who was inspired by the work of the National Consortium of Arts In Education. Talking the an existing ballet studio formed by Sandra Balestracci, Mr. Boucher worked for three years researching to build a cohesive vocational program that would provide training in performing arts with professional standards and curriculum that would provide each child with the information necessary at each stage of their development.

“We have long been revered for our own accomplishments as professional artists during our careers most of which was spent at the famous Lincoln Center in New York City. Together we have established EVSPA to be recognized nationally as a major performing arts training facility specializing in Classical Ballet and Musical Theatre which includes Voice, Jazz, and Tap as relating to Broadway musicals.

Our facilities are nestled in the quaint area of the Village Shops at Kingsmill with three large studios, and over 6,000 square feet of office and studio space.

Ron Boucher and Sandra Balestracci

Ron Boucher and Sandra Balestracci are the founding directors of the Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts. Through their work as a distinguished professionals (see bio’s) and notable years of training young people through vocationally based programs, the studio has seen significant successes.

EVSPA offers the aspiring perfomer a fertile ground for professional and personal growth. The school offer a sound philosophy, positive objectives and professional training programs.

At each stage of development, students' classroom knowledge is evaluated through written assessment performance projects, onstage performances. Students who excel may be invited to join the American Youth Ballet Company or the American Youth Players, which offers further performance opportunities, often in the presence of casting directors, agents and other industry professionals.

Our goal remains to maintain a school that provides definitive training in the performing arts that is career oriented and developmental in nature We are striving to raise the bar on excellence in performing arts education while providing a safe environment that fosters achievement at the highest levels.

We hope to serve your family for many years to come.

Reasons For You To Feel Confident About EVSPA Training

25 years of experience in training performers
Alumni achievements unmatched by any other performing training institution in this region: (see alumni section)
Performance based with ties to industry
Leadership with outstanding accomplishments and continued connections to the industry.
Recognized by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Classical Ballet Association of NY, and the National Registry of Dance Educators and the National Association of Dance Educators.
High placement of college bound students in performing arts programs
Measuring each student’s progress to insure development and growth
Upholding important standards and expectations based on other professional schools
Knowing what is important in your child’s development at specific ages to insure safe and proper development of fine and gross motor skills.
Parent consultations so that you are aware how your child is doing independently and comparatively.
Providing safe, ethical and supportive environment to nurture each child throughout the process.

What They Are Saying About Us...

"Ms. Balestracci and Mr. Boucher are like stars because they just remind you to raise your sights. It has been because of Ms. Balestracci’s technical expertise, her reputation in the professional dance world and her dedication to teaching the purity of the art form that I have been able to experience the things that I have."

Erin Jennifer Young, former student

“Go for it!” EVSPA offers wonderful opportunities for adults as well as young people. It’s never too late. And, oh, what fun!”

Marsha Allen

"I will always be indebted to Ms. Balestracci and Mr. Boucher for their dedication not only to the arts, but to me and my future as well."

Samantha Berger, Radio City Music Hall Rockette and former student

"After seeing the accomplishments of Sandra’s students I felt compelled to design costumes that would compliment the elegance, grace and beauty of their dancing."

Holly Hynes, Costume Designer for the New York City Ballet.

"I have witnessed that quality training is so very important in pre-professional development and have only wished that I had been able to receive that training right from the start. Thanks for being in Williamsburg and just a grand jetés distance from my house."

Calvin Cooper

"Mr. Boucher, God has given you amazing talents in the art of voice and in your ability to teach others on how to open up their minds and hearts (not to mention their vocal cords) EVSPA has my utmost respect---you all do a wonder job."

Mrs. Christi Huster